SHILLINGSTONE 3

PUDDLETOWN 2

SHILLINGSTONE won the Dorset Minor Cup for the first time beating Puddletown 3-2 in a thrilling match in front of a very vociferous crowd.

Although Puddletown started the better team, it was Shillingstone who took the lead after 15 minutes, Nat Hayward scoring from the penalty following a trip in a crowded penalty area.

Five minutes, later the dangerous Ollie Thraves almost equalised, when his shot hit the outside of the far post following a good run into the Shillingstone penalty area.

Seven minutes after the break, Kieran Knight netted Puddletown’s equaliser heading past Joe Meakin in the Shillingstone goal.

However, Shillingstone regained the lead moments later with the best goal of the game from substitute Darren Critchell, with a left foot shot perfectly executed from 30 yards.

With 15 minutes, remaining the Puddlers equalised, Thraves scoring direct from a corner kick to set up an exciting finale.

With extra time looking increasingly likely, Callum Crabb hit the winner for Shillingstone, finishing off a fine move by the North Dorset team.

With Puddletown throwing everyone forward searching for a late equaliser, Shillingstone’s rearguard stood firm, although the unlucky Thraves still had time to hit the woodwork for the second time in the match.

The Whitehead Minor Cup was presented to Shillingstone captain Josh Feirn, by the chairman of the Dorset County FA, County Cup committee, Geoff Theobald.